【2026 Summer Resort】Search Volume Up 237% for 'Cool Cation' - Turkey Proposes a New Way to Spend Summer: Enjoying the Beach and Coolness with All Five Senses

Amid record-breaking heatwaves around the world, the travel market is seeing a boom in the travel style of 'Cool Cation (vacation travel)' that avoids the heat and is comfortable, with related search volume up 237% year-on-year (Note 1). Additionally, Turkey's 'Black Sea coastal region' was selected as one of the 'World's Best Travel Destinations for 2026' by National Geographic magazine, making it the hottest area among travelers worldwide.

The Republic of Turkey (hereinafter referred to as Turkey), known for its beautiful beaches and clear seas, has focused on the fact that Turkey is also the 'ultimate vacation resort' with diverse terrain and unique local climates. The Turkey Tourism Promotion and Development Agency (TGA) has proposed a new summer travel style for the coming summer that avoids the heat and is comfortable. We propose the latest summer travel style to enjoy the unique 'cool' of Turkey, such as Aegean Sea resorts with pleasant sea breezes, cool mountainous areas, and the 'Night Museum Project' where you can enjoy cultural heritage in the cool of the night, not just a simple beach holiday.

1. [Trendy Spots] The Black Sea Coast Recognized by NatGeo and Hidden Resorts in Northern Aegean

If you are looking for the real Cool Cation that is different from typical beach resorts, the area that is currently receiving the most attention in the world is highly recommended.

'Black Sea Coastal Region' Selected as 'World's Best Travel Destinations for 2026': The Black Sea coastal region of Turkey has been selected as one of the 'World's Best Travel Destinations for 2026' by National Geographic magazine, making it the hottest area right now. The scenery, filled with abundant oxygen in the air, cool highlands, and vibrant greenery as far as the eye can see, is a new summer staple that overturns the previous image of Turkey.

'Assos' with Its Unique Climate: The ancient city of Assos, located in Chanakkale, is blessed with a special climate where the pleasant north wind eases the summer heat. After feeling the sea breeze at the ancient 'Temple of Athena,' you can fully enjoy the flavors of dishes made with the finest extra virgin olive oil, a local specialty, and fresh squid at restaurants along the coast where the sea seems to reach your feet.

'Mount Kazdag: A Natural Oxygen Capsule': Escape the sun along the coastline to Mount Kazdag, a national park with one of the highest oxygen concentrations in the world. Hiking through the pine forests and trekking to absorb the negative ions from the waterfalls is perfect for refreshing both mind and body.

'Island Life: Bozcaada and Gokceada': These islands, accessible by ferry from Chanakkale, are characterized by untouched nature, quiet coves, and island time unconstrained by the internet. It is the ultimate hidden resort where you can forget about time and spend a leisurely time.

2. Enjoy the Pleasant Winds of the Aegean Sea: Bodrum, Izmir, and the Ephesus Ruins at Night in Summer

The Aegean Sea coast of Turkey is characterized by refreshing sea breezes, clear seas, lively resort life, and world heritage sites.

'Bodrum: A Refined Adult Hideout': Bodrum is known as one of Turkey's top luxury resort destinations. The pleasant winds unique to the peninsula blow through, creating a luxurious atmosphere. After strolling through the streets lined with white-walled houses, you can enjoy the 'Blue Voyage' on traditional wooden yachts called 'Gullet.' You can swim in secluded coves or enjoy refined Aegean cuisine at restaurants featured in the Michelin Guide.

'Wind and Wave Activities: Izmir and Urla': Cesme, near Izmir known as the 'Pearl of the Aegean Sea,' is famous for its consistently stable sea breezes. In particular, Alacati is also known as a mecca for windsurfing and kitesurfing. Additionally, in nearby Urla, you can enjoy fresh organic vegetables and seafood sourced locally, along with refreshing white wine, at Michelin-starred restaurants.

'Enjoying the Quiet and Coolness of the Night: The Ephesus Ruins': In recent years, in summer Turkey, the 'Night Museum Project,' where you can visit ancient cities illuminated at night, avoiding the heat during the day, has been gaining popularity. The experience of walking through the Ephesus Ruins, a world heritage site illuminated in a fantastical manner, is exceptional.

3. Paradise on the Mediterranean: 'Turkish Riviera' with the World's Most Blue Flags and Natural Air Conditioning

The 'Turkish Riviera (Mediterranean coast),' stretching across southern Turkey, is a mainstream summer vacation destination lined with luxury resorts.

'Antalya: A City with the World's Most Blue Flag Beaches': It is equipped with the world's highest level of hospitality that allows you to enjoy even in the heat, such as private pools, open-air spas, and shaded terraces. Water activities are well-developed, including diving at Kas, one of the world's top 10 diving spots, and sea kayaking at Kekova.

'Natural Air Conditioning: Karain Cave and Damlatas Cave and Koprulu Canyon': During the hottest time of the day, visit the 'natural air conditioning' caves that maintain an annual temperature of 18-22°C. Additionally, rafting in Koprulu Canyon, where ice-cold water flows, is also popular. If you extend your trip to the highlands of the Taurus Mountains, you can be enveloped in the cool mountain air.

'Night Magic: Light-Up Ruins and 'Night Golf'': At night, Antalya shows a different face. In addition to visiting ancient ruins such as Patara and Aspendos under the starry sky, in the Belek district, you can enjoy the luxurious experience of playing 'Night Golf' on a fantastical course illuminated by lights.

The Turkey Tourism Promotion and Development Agency (TGA) will continue to promote Turkey as a destination for 'Cool Cation' travel, which combines various forms of coolness. Please pay attention to it as a comfortable resort travel for this summer.

(Note 1) Data Source: Data released by global travel platform [Trip.com Group] (Search volume related to 'Cool Cation' during the summer peak period increased by 237% compared to the previous year).

About Turkey Turkey has been considered a hub of cultural exchange and diversity for centuries as a key point connecting Asia and Europe. It has a history, ruins, nature, and cuisine that reflect diverse civilizations, making it a multipurpose destination. It continues to captivate people from all over the world with dynamic shopping and entertainment life, as well as art and fashion that blend tradition and modernity. In 2025, a record-high of approximately 64 million tourists visited from all over the world. In 2023, Turkey celebrated its 100th anniversary as a republic, and in 2024, it celebrated the 100th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations with Japan. For more details about Turkey, please visit the official website (https://goturkiye.jp/) or the following SNS.

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